Calcutta High Court Seeks Explanation From Bank Over Debit Restrictions On Abhishek Banerjee’s Account

The Calcutta High Court on Thursday sought an explanation from bank officials after they restricted debit transactions on the accounts of Trinamool Congress general secretary and Diamond Harbour MP Abhishek Banerjee.

Justice Krishna Rao expressed reservations about the reasons presented by the bank and asked its counsel to provide greater clarity during a subsequent hearing scheduled for later on Thursday.

Banerjee filed a petition before the High Court earlier this week, challenging the restrictions placed on his bank account before his proposed visit to the United States for ophthalmic treatment.

The Supreme Court had permitted him to travel abroad earlier this month.

Banerjee’s lawyer told the court that the bank had blocked two credit cards belonging to the politician without providing prior notice.

During the Thursday hearing, the bank told the court that it had restricted debit transactions because Banerjee needed to complete his Know Your Customer (KYC) formalities.

Banerjee’s counsel Ayan Bhattacharya disputed the justification, pointing out that his client’s existing KYC remained valid until December.

Justice Rao then asked the bank’s lawyer why Banerjee had to visit the branch personally when authorities could complete the KYC process online.

Bank’s Explanation

The bank subsequently cited internal issues as the reason for requiring the Diamond Harbour MP to appear in person.

The explanation failed to satisfy the judge, who questioned the decision to impose restrictions without giving Banerjee prior information.

The bank later offered another explanation, stating that Banerjee’s name, telephone number and other documents were connected with a case registered by the Enforcement Directorate.

Justice Rao questioned the change in the bank’s reasoning and instructed its lawyer to maintain consistency in explaining the KYC requirement.

The court has scheduled another hearing for the second half of Thursday, when the bank authorities will have to clarify their position regarding the restrictions imposed on Banerjee’s accounts.

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